Nadal admits Dimitrov's poor play was deciding factor in their Monte-Carlo clash

It was back to business as usual for Rafael Nadal at the Monte-Carlo Masters, as the Spaniard dismantled Grigor Dimitrov to advance to his 16th consecutive quarterfinal at the event.

Nadal required only 55 minutes to score the 6-1 6-1 victory, firing 17 winners without facing a break point. Although the 11-time champion was in good form, it was his Bulgarian opponent who looked frustrated and out of sorts during their encounter on Thursday.

“I am sorry for him. He played a bad match. That is the truth,” Nadal said after the match. “He made a lot of mistakes. I was there. I was doing the right thing, but it is true that today was more his fault than my good tennis.”

The reigning French Open champion will face sixth seed Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals, as the Russian battled past Roberto Bautista Agut in three difficult sets. Nadal has a 2-0 lead over Rublev in career meetings, although both victories have come on hard courts.

“I think I did the right preparation. I felt ready for action again. I am excited to play here in one of my favourite tournaments, without a doubt,” Nadal said. “I am happy to enjoy the competition again, to enjoy the Tour. In Mallorca, I had some good practices. Let’s see. Tomorrow will be another tough match. I hope to be ready for it.”